Key Terms:
1. Application programming interface (API)-A set of software routines that allows one software to
work with another.
2. Application software-The set of programs on a computer that helps a user carry out tasks such
as word processing, sending e-mail...
3. Backup and restore utility- A copy of a computer file that can be used to replace the original if
it’s lost or damaged.
4. Basic input/output system (BIOS)-A program that manages the data between a computer’s
operating system and all the input and output devices attached to the computer; also
responsible for loading the (OS) from its permanent location on the hare drive to random access
memory (RAM).
5. Boot process- The process for loading the (OS) into (RAM) when the computer is turned on.
6. Command-driven interface- Interface between user and computer in which the user enters
commands to communicate with the computers system.
7. Desktop- Computer intended for use at a single location.
8. Device driver- Software that facilitates the communication between a device and its operating
system or between a network adapter and a server’s operating system and the operating system
of the computer in which the adapter is installed.
9. Device manager- A Task on the computer that controls the function of a device
10. Disk cleanup- A windows utility that removes unnecessary files from the hard drive
11. Disk defragmenter- A utility that regroups related pieces of files on the hard drive enabling
faster retrieval of the data.
12. Error-checking- a Windows utility that checks for lost files fragments as well as physical errors on
a hard drive.
13. Extension- In a file name, the three letters that follow the user-supplied file name aster the dot
(.)
14. File allocation table (FAT)- An index of all sector numbers that the hard drive stores in a table to
keep track of which sectors hold which files.
15. File compression utility- a program that takes out redundancies in a file in order to reduce the
file size.
16. File management- The process by which humans or computer software provides organizational
structure to a computer’s contents.
17. File path- The exact location of a file, starting with the drive In which the file is located and
including all folders, subfolders, the file name, and the extension.
18. Firmware- System software that controls hardware devices.
19. Graphical user interface (GUI)- Displays graphics and use the point-and-click technology of the
mouse and cursor.
20. Icon- The image a file has
21. Interrupt- A signal that tells the operating systems that it’s in need of immediate attention.
22. Interrupt handler-A special numerical code that prioritizes requests from various devices.
23. Kernel- Manages the processor and all of the essential components.
24. Last known good configuration- The saved time of a computer last configuration.
25. Library- A folder that is used to display files from different locations as if they were all saved in
the in a single folder
26. Linux- An open-source (OS) based on UNIX. Used on web servers.
27. Mainframe- a large, expensive computer that supports hundreds or thousands of users
simultaneously and executes many different programs at the same time.
28. Menu-driven interface- A user interface in which the user chooses a command from menus
displayed on the screen.
29. MS-DOS30. Multitasking- The ability of an (OS) to perform more than one process at a time.
31. Multiuser/Network operating system- An (OS) that allows more than one user to use it.
32. Operating system- Controls that way a computer system functions.
33. Paging- The process of swapping data.
34. Platform- The combination of a computer (OS) and processer.
35. Plug and play (PnP)- Technology that enables the (OS) to automatically recognize new
peripherals.
36. Power-on self test (POST)- ensures that essential peripherals devices are attached and
operational.
37. Preemptive multitasking- Choosing which task has a higher priority.
38. Real-time operating system (RTOS)- Must guarantee certain response times for particular
computing tasks or else the machines application is useless.
39. Recycle bin- Were deleted files are sent.
40. Restore point- Restoring a previous page or location
41. Ribbon-
42. Root directory- The top level of the filling structure in a computer system.
43. Safe mode- A mode that enables protection.
44. Sector- A section of a hard drive platter.
45. Server- A computer that provides other resources to other computers in a network.
46. Single-user, multitasking operating system47. Single-user single task operating system
48. Source code- Instructions programmers write in a high level language.
49. Spooler- A program that helps coordinate all print jobs being sent to the printer at the same
time.
50. Swap/Page file- temporary storage files from (RAM) that haven’t been used
51. System files- Main files of an (OS)
52. System restore- restores system settings to a previous date when everything was working
properly.
53. System software- Programs that enables a computer’s hardware devices and application
54. Task manager utility
55. Task scheduler utility
56. Thrashing
57. Toolbar
58. Track
59. UNIX
60. User interface
61. Utility program
62. Virtual memory
63. Windows Explorer